Barbaro’s right hind leg cast is removed

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro’s original injury has healed well enough that the cast on his right hind leg was removed Monday, leaving the colt to overcome the complications to his left hind foot he suffered in July.

“There are no signs of new problems with that foot, but the hoof needs several more months of growth before we will know how much foot structure and function will be recovered,” veterinary surgeon Dean Richardson said in a statement issued by the University of Pennsylvania’s George D. Widener Hospital.

Barbaro’s right hind leg was shattered when he broke down in the opening moments of the Preakness Stakes in May.

The colt was doing well until July, when he developed a life-threatening complication known as laminitis caused by excessive weight-bearing on a previously healthy leg, leading doctors to remove a large portion of the left hoof.

The colt was able to walk back to his stall after Monday’s procedure, Richardson said.

“He used all of his legs quite well.”

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-- Robyn Norwood